who thought lazing around in baths could be so exhausting.....

Budapest Travel Blog

so after a long train ride we arrived at budapest, but little did we know that our journey had just begun. it took us just as long to get to our hostel as it did to get to hungary from slovakia. after a bus to a non-working tram, to a closed metro to another bus, we realized the city was in lockdown mode with riot police everywhere. turns out we arrived on the day of the gay pride parade...and our hostel was on the exact block all the excitment was happening on. now for anyone that has been to a gay pride parade you dont think riot police, but in eastern europe that is what you need to keep the angry protestors in line. needless to say having lived in liberal nyc for the past 10 years your realize how much we take for granted. the whole expereince was quiet eye opening and made me happy i live where i do.

View or Parliament form Buda

although, that was my initial introduction to budapest, i quickly realized there was so much more to the city and discovered that it is so far my favorite. it may have to do the fact that i spent half the days lounging in the baths that are scattered around the city and my nights at two local bars around the corner from my hostel that had the most amazing energy and vibe. it could also be the fact that i picked up a travel buddy "a kiwi" in slovakia who made my days filled with laughter and my nights of having a drink alone a part of the distant past.

but budapest captured something else, it was a great balance of amazing sites, but it still felt like a thriving city that beated to its own drum. it was the first place that i didnt feel overwhelmed with tourists and felt like a true city. it was a perfect size and flet like there was more to discover each day. after five days i was sad to say goodbye, but a musical festival on balaton lake was the next stop....